Representation of authors and editors from poor countries

Editor—The findings by Keiser et al with regard to poor representation of countries with a low human development index on the boards of international journals in tropical medicine is not surprising.¹ They have done well to highlight this disparity in an area where local knowledge is key. It would also be interesting to examine whether there was notable overlap between different boards. In other words, did the developing country members consist of “the usual suspects”?

Underinvestment in research and health care in many developing countries undoubtedly accounts for some of the disparity. Yet the issues of wider power dynamics play a part. For example, the authors call for more research partnership between richer and poorer nations, but the question is whether you can have a partnership of unequals. With most of the funding for research coming from the wealthier countries of the West, it is extremely difficult, and perhaps impossible, for the research agenda not to be dictated by them and for the richest of the “fruits” not to go to them. Perhaps the innovative scheme by the Wellcome Trust to help establish researchers in tropical medicine from developing countries and to support their careers may improve the situation.

Similarly, the existence of African Journals On Line (supported by the International Network of the Availability of Science Publications) and other such initiatives may help foster relationships between researchers in different countries. That said, improved public and private sector funding of research from within developing countries must also be encouraged.